'2025 Idol Star Athletics Championships' Dominates Ratings Despite Safety Concerns

The '2025 Chuseok Special Idol Star Athletics Championships' has claimed the top spot among variety shows aired in the same time slot. Despite previous concerns over safety due to injuries sustained by several idols, the show continues to draw significant viewership.

On the 6th, the first part of MBC's '2025 Chuseok Special Idol Star Athletics Championships' (commonly known as 'Idol Star Athletics Championships') aired, featuring top-tier idol stars competing in various sports, creating memorable moments and buzz with each episode.

According to Nielsen Korea, the second episode of 'Idol Star Athletics Championships' achieved a 0.9% rating in the key 2049 demographic and a 3.1% nationwide household rating, securing the number one spot among variety shows aired at the same time. The return of the 'penalty shootout' event after five years saw 'LUCY's Cho Won-sang's shot being blocked by 'AHOF's Park Ju-won with his knee, and 'AHOF's Seo Jeong-woo, nicknamed 'Alien Potato Soccer Kid,' having his shot saved by 'LUCY's Choi Sang-yeop, earning praise from commentator Park Moon-sung who noted, "He has a talent for goalkeeping." This moment reached a peak viewership rating of 5.7%, delivering a powerful impact to home viewers.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, 'Idol Star Athletics Championships' brought laughter to viewers from the opening ceremony with the seasoned hosting of MCs Jeon Hyun-moo, Lee Chang-seop, Lee Eun-ji, and Jonathan. Jeon Hyun-moo, a veteran of the show, provided stable hosting, while Lee Chang-seop shared relatable anecdotes from his own experiences as a participant. Lee Eun-ji, known for her comedic timing, and Jonathan, with his extensive knowledge of idols, added energy to the broadcast. Instead of the usual oath or celebratory performances, a customized warm-up session for K-POP idols was held, with 'CRAVITY's Hyeongjun spontaneously performing Jennie's 'like JENNIE' choreography, heating up the atmosphere.

In the women's 60m race, 'tripleS' Nien and Linn, 'X:IN's Aria, 'KISS OF LIFE's Haneul, and 'ifeye's Taerin and Rahee advanced to the finals after intense preliminaries. With two athletes from each team making it to the finals, the competition within teams added an intriguing dynamic. In the finals, 'tripleS' Nien claimed the gold medal with overwhelming speed, erasing the disappointment of last year's silver medal.

In the men's 60m race, 'TEMPEST's Eunchan, 'LUN8's Chael, 'NEXZ's So Geon, 'ARrC's Choi Han, 'NEWBEAT's Hong Min-sung, and 'CLOSE YOUR EYES's Song Seung-ho advanced to the finals. The final race was closely contested, with Chael and Hong Min-sung standing out. Chael won the gold medal with a time of 7.79 seconds, overcoming last year's silver medal disappointment and creating a thrilling narrative of 'the silver medalist's rebellion' in this year's 60m race.

In the women's wrestling team event, eight teams, including 'Hearts2Hearts,' 'FIFTY FIFTY,' 'tripleS,' and 'SAY MY NAME,' competed. The intense stares and fierce competition among the female idols added to the excitement. 'SAY MY NAME,' advised to focus on defense, surprised everyone with an aggressive playstyle, winning the gold medal. Before the match, members humorously requested their agency's CEO and singer Kim Jae-joong to buy them a car if they won the gold, bringing laughter to the scene.

In the men's team pistol shooting event, four teams, including 'RIIZE,' 'ZEROBASEONE,' 'NCT WISH,' and 'P1Harmony,' competed fiercely. The event, requiring high concentration and calmness, captivated viewers with the athletes' focused demeanor and charming visuals displayed on the scoreboard. In a nail-biting finish, 'RIIZE' clinched the gold medal, establishing themselves as the 'kings of men's shooting.' Making their debut at this year's championships, 'RIIZE' successfully showcased both skill and visual appeal.

The penalty shootout event, returning after five years, featured idols passionate about soccer, from proven athletes to emerging talents. The thrilling match, with daring shots from kickers and fearless saves from goalkeepers, captivated fans and commentators alike. 'RIIZE' featured idols with nicknames inspired by world-class soccer players, such as 'Song' Heung-min Eun-seok, Ne'hee'mar So-hee, and Kylian 'Yoon'bappé Yoon, adding humor to the event. The results of the exciting penalty shootout semifinals and finals will be revealed in the second part, sparking curiosity.

The preview for 'Idol Star Athletics Championships Part 2' promises engaging competitions and surprising performances from idols in various events, including the men's wrestling team event and the women's team pistol shooting. The second part of the '2025 Chuseok Special Idol Star Athletics Championships' is set to air on Tuesday, the 7th, at 5:50 PM, though the broadcast time may change depending on the KBO postseason wildcard game coverage.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr